Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Weed Risk Assessment for Toona

United States sinensis (A. Juss.) M. Roem.
Department of
Agriculture (Meliaceae) – Chinese toon/Chinese
Animal and Plant mahogany
Health Inspection
Service

June 14, 2012

Version 1

The image on the left is a young Toona sinensis grove in Autumn and was obtained from
http://www.crocus.co.uk. The two images on the right reflect mature and regenerating
Toona sinensis in a natural park setting and were obtained from
http://www.rslandscapedesign2.blogspot.com.

Agency Contact:

Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory

Center for Plant Health Science and Technology

Plant Protection and Quarantine

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
United States Department of Agriculture
1730 Varsity Drive, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27606

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Introduction Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) regulates noxious weeds under the authority
of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. § 7701-7786, 2000) and the Federal Seed Act
(7 U.S.C. § 1581-1610, 1939). A noxious weed is “any plant or plant product that
can directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops (including nursery stock
or plant products), livestock, poultry, or other interests of agriculture, irrigation,
navigation, the natural resources of the United States, the public health, or the
environment” (7 U.S.C. § 7701-7786, 2000). We use weed risk assessment (WRA)
—specifically, the PPQ WRA model1—to evaluate the risk potential of plants,
including those newly detected in the United States, those proposed for import, and
those emerging as weeds elsewhere in the world.

Because our WRA model is geographically and climatically neutral, it can be used
to evaluate the baseline invasive/weed potential of any plant species for the entire
United States or any area within it. We use a climate matching tool in our WRAs to
evaluate those areas of the United States that are suitable for the establishment of
the plant. We also use a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the consequences of
uncertainty on the outcome of the risk assessment. For more information on the
PPQ WRA process, please refer to the document, Introduction to the PPQ Weed
Risk Assessment Process, which is available upon request.

Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) M. Roem. – Chinese toon/Chinese mahogany

Species Family: Meliaceae
Information Initiation: On November 15, 2011, Al Tasker (APHIS-PPQ) forwarded an email
from the Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC) regarding Chinese toon
(Toona sinensis) and requested an evaluation (Tasker 2011). A Maryland
resident had written the MISC about getting T. sinensis sprouts in their driveway
from a neighbor’s yard and the council suggested this could be a species of
concern in Maryland.
Foreign distribution: Toona sinensis (synonym Cedrela sinensis) is native from
India and Nepal eastward through China, Burma, Thailand and Malaysia to Java
(Edmonds and Staniforth, 1998). It is planted in India and Sri Lanka for shade
and is an important timber tree throughout southeast Asia, including Indonesia
and the Philippines. This species was introduced into Europe in the mid-1800s
and is cultivated in France, Germany, and England. It has been introduced into
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other countries (Edmonds and Staniforth,
1998). It has naturalized in Japan (Mito and Uesugi 2004).
U.S. distribution and status: This species is present and has been cultivated in
gardens and arboreta throughout the United States since the early 1900s (Koller,
1978). It has been in California for 100 years (Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007),
apparently without incident. In addition to Maryland, it is said to be growing in
public gardens in Massachusetts, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Illinois, New York,
Ohio, and Washington, D.C. (Koller, 1978), and is also reported to be cultivated
in Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas (DavesGarden,
2011), North Carolina (JCRA, 1992), Georgia (Corley et al., 2007), and
California (Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007). It is considered “less invasive” than

1
Koop, A., L. Fowler, L. Newton, and B. Caton. 2012. Development and validation of a weed screening tool for the United
States. Biological Invasions 14(2):273-294. DOI:10.1007/s10530-011-0061-4

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

some other introduced tree species in California (Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007)
and, for the same reason, has been recommended as a good alternative to
Ailanthus altissima in Kansas (Branhagan, n.d.). It has received negative press
about its invasive potential only recently, with some information available
through garden forums and blogs. For example, it is being removed from a vale
in Morris Park (a 147-acre woodland in Philadelphia), where it is reported as
“beginning to spread at an alarming rate” (Soloman and Dijois, 2011), and is
described as “an easy, potentially invasive, suckering plant” by the author Ken
Druse (2011).
WRA area: Entire United States, including territories

1. Toona sinensis analysis

Establishment/Spread Toona sinensis is distributed well outside its native range in Asia, and relatively
Potential little evidence exists of significant spread. A paper on invasive alien species in
Japan reported it as established or found in the wild, suggesting naturalization, but
no further details are given (Mito and Uesugi, 2004). As mentioned above, some
concern exists about its invasive potential in the United States. The traits that
contribute most to its establishment/spread potential include wind-borne seed
(Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007) and the production of clones through prolific root
suckering (Zhou et al., 2010). After a mature tree is cut down, vigorous root sprouts
and seedlings are produced up to 50 feet from the original tree (Brennan, 2011).
We had a moderate amount of uncertainty about this element.
Risk score = 5 Uncertainty index = 0.22

Impact Potential We found no specific evidence that T. sinensis is impacting natural, production, or
anthropogenic systems, but it could become a pest in natural and urban areas. Due
to its spreading behavior in a natural area within the City of Philadelphia, it is being
eradicated by the Parks and Recreation Department (Soloman and Dijois, 2011).
Root suckers and seedlings in the vicinity of the original trees are proving difficult
to manage (Brennan, 2011). In South Australia, it is “not recommended” as a tree
for natural areas (DECD, 1999). The risk score for this element is relatively low
because of the lack of documented evidence of harm. We had a moderate amount
of uncertainty with this element overall, but a high amount of uncertainty with
impact potential in natural areas.
Risk score = 2.0 Uncertainty index = 0.21

Geographic Potential Toona sinensis is widely distributed through southeastern Asia and cultivated in
many parts of the world. It is the most cold-tolerant species within the genus Toona
and can survive winter temperatures down to -20C. While it is cultivated in many
climates, it does not appear to be native or naturalized in any mediterranean
climates or desert/steppe areas. We estimate that about 45 percent of the United
States is suitable for the establishment of T sinensis (Fig. 1). The predicted
distribution is based on the species’ known distribution elsewhere in the world and
includes point-referenced localities and areas of occurrence. The map for T.
sinensis represents the joint distribution of Plant Hardiness Zones 5-13, areas with
over10 inches of annual precipitation, and the following Köppen-Geiger climate
classes: tropical rainforest, tropical savannah, humid subtropical, marine west
coast, humid continental warm summers, and humid continental cool summers.

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Entry Potential We did not assess this element because this species is already present in the United
States (Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007; Soloman and Dijois, 2011; smgrowers.com,
2011; greergardens.com, 2011; Tasker, 2011; Corley et al., 2007).

Figure 1. Predicted distribution of Toona sinensis in the United States. Map insets
for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are not to scale.

2. Results and Conclusion

Model Probabilities: P(Major Invader) = 14.8%
P(Minor Invader) = 70.4%
P(Non-Invader) = 14.9%
Risk Result = Evaluate Further
Secondary Screening = High Risk

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Figure 2. Toona sinensis risk score (black box) relative to the risk scores of
species used to develop and validate the WRA model (other symbols). See
Appendix A for the complete assessment.

Figure 3. Monte Carlo simulation results (N=5000) for uncertainty around risk
scoresa for Toona sinensis.

a
The blue “+” symbol represents the medians of the simulated outcomes. The smallest box
contains 50 percent of the outcomes, the second 95 percent, and the largest 99 percent.

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

3. Discussion
The result of theWRA for T. sinensis is Evaluate Further (Fig. 2; Fig. 3); the
secondary screening gives a result of High Risk. This species has been in the
United States for decades and only recently have people begun to report invasive
behavior. Although it has characteristics in common with many invasive trees
(rapid growth, vegetative reproduction), it has not been aggressive in its introduced
range and does not appear to be comparable to the similar species Ailanthus
altissima, for example. Based on the available evidence, T. sinensis is likely to be a
minor invader (70.4 percent probability) in natural areas and a nuisance in gardens
and landscape plantings, primarily because of its tendency to produce seedlings and
root suckers up to 50 feet from the parent tree.

4. Literature Cited
agrohaitai.com. n.d. Oriental vegetable seeds -- Canadian supplier. Available at
http://www.agrohaitai.com/others/chinesetoon/chinesetoon.htm.
ARS-GRIN. 2011. Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/. (Archived at PERAL).
Aumeeruddy, Y., and B. Sansonnens. 1994. Shifting from simple to complex
agroforestry systems: an example for buffer zone managment from Kerinci
(Sumatra, Indonesia). Agroforestry Systems 28:113-141.
backyardgardener.com. 2011. Toona sinensis (Toona) - plant information sheet
from online gardening site (available at
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_7565.html).
Branhagan, A. n.d. Invasive exotics of the greater Kansas City region. Compiled by
the Director of Horticulture, Powell Gardens.
Brennan, A. 2011. Chinese toon. Communication in a Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant
Council blog. Available at http:/tech.groups.yahoo.com/groups/ma-
ipc/message/4600.
Brown, K. A., F. N. Scatena, and J. Gurevitch. 2006. Effects of an invasive tree on
community structure and diversity in a tropical forest in Puerto Rico. Forest
Ecology and Management 226:145-152.
cloudforest.com. 2011. Online garden forum. Available at www.cloudforest.com.
Corley, W., J. Midcap, M. Garber, and G. Wade. 2007. A compilation of low-
maintenance plants for Georgia landscapes. University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension publication H-91-009.
Daehler, C. 1998. The taxonomic distribution of invasive angiosperm plants:
ecological insights and comparison to agricultural weeds. Biological
Conservation 84:167-180.
DavesGarden. 2011. Plant files database. http://davesgarden.com. (Archived at
PERAL).
DECD. 1999. DETE facilities and design standards and guidelines - landscape and
planting. Department for Education and Child Development, Government
of South Australia.
Druse, K. 2011. Comment on gardeners forum (www.cloudforest.com) - 'Toona
sinensis is an easy, potentially invasive, suckering plant'. Ken Druse is a
well-known gardner, author or gardening books and the garden editor of
House Beautiful.
Edmonds, J. M., and M. Staniforth. 1998. 348. Toona sinensis (Meliaceae). Curtis'
Botanical Magazine 15(3):186-193.

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Evans, E. n.d. Cedrela sinensis = Toona sinensis. Plant fact sheet. North Carolina
State University, Cooperative Extension Service.
Gardenweb.com. 2005. 'Chinese chop suey tree?' - Discussion on an online garden
forum (available at
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/edible/msg0213495724491.html
?48).
GBIF. 2011. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Online Database.
http://data.gbif.org/welcome.htm. (Archived at PERAL).
greergardens.com. 2011. Trees and shrubs -- Toona sinensis (available at
http://www.greergardens.com/TREES%20&%20SHRUBS_T-Z.htm).
Grotkopp, E., and M. Rejmanek. 2007. High seedling relative growth rate and
specific leaf area are traits of invasive species: phylogenetically
independent contrasts of woody angiosperms. American Journal of Botany
94(4):526-532.
Heap, I. 2011. The International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds.
www.weedscience.com. (Archived at PERAL).
Henderson, L. 2001. Alien weeds and invasive plants: a complete guide to declared
weeds and invaders in South Africa. Agricultural Research Council, South
Africa. 300 pp.
HomeScape. n.d. The Auckland garden design project. HomeScape Garden &
Lawn Ltd. New Zealand (Available at
http://www.homescapelandscapedesign.co.nz/our-work.php).
HSA. 2011. Essential facts for Chinese toon, Toona sinensis. The Herb Society of
America.
Hua, L.-Z., H. Nara, G. A. Saemulson, and S. W. Lingafelter. 2009. Zhongguo tian
niu (1406-zhong) cai se tu jian - Iconography of Chinese Longicorn Beetles
(1406 Species) in Color. Sun Yat-sen University Press.
Huang, F., and J. Li. 2003. Experimental study on controlling young Toona sinensis
forest land weeds with hexazinone herbicide [Abstract]. Journal of Fujian
Forestry Science and Technology 2003-02.
JCRA. 1992. Plants received by the NCSU Arboretum (now the JC Raulston
Arboretum) - January-December 1991. Friends of the Arboretum
Newsletter (No. 23).
Kennedy, D. 2011. The future of leafy vegetables. Pages 260 21st Century Greens.
Leaf for Life.
Koller, G. L. 1978. New trees for urban landscapes. Arnoldia 38(5):158-161.
Martin, P. G., and J. M. Dowd. 1990. A protein sequence study of the dicotyledons
and its relevance to the evolution of the legumes and nitrogen fixation.
Australian Systematic Botany 3:91-100.
Mills-Hicks, J. P. 2001. The Plant Book: A World of Plants in a Single Volume.
James Mills-Hicks. 1020 pp.
Mito, T., and T. Uesugi. 2004. Invasive alien species in Japan: the status quo and
the new regulation for prevention of their adverse effects. Task force for
countermeasures against invasive alien species. Japanese Ministry of the
Environment.
Nickrent, D. L. 2011. The Parasitic Plant Connection. Southern Illinois University
Carbondale. http://www.parasiticplants.siu.edu/. (Archived at PERAL).
PFAF. 2011. Plants for a future http://www.pfaf.org/index.php. (Archived at
PERAL).
Randall, J. M. 2007. The introduced flora of Australia and its weed status. CRC for
Australian Weed Management, Department of Agriculture and Food,

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Western Australia, Australia. 528 pp.

smgrowers.com. 2011. Toona sinensis - Chinese toona. Online database for San
Marcos Growers, a nursery in Santa Barbara, CA (available at
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=155
4).
Soloman, S., and I. Dijois. 2011. The Sanguine Root - Sweetbrian vale. Urban
environmental restoration blog. Available at
http://www.thesanguineroot.com/?cat=16&paged=4.
Swearingen, J. 2010. Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. University of
Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, and the
National Park Service. Online database, available at:
http://www.invasiveplantatlas.org.
TAMS-ACT. n.d. Design standards for urban infrastructure: plant species for urban
landscape projects. Territory & Management Services, Australian Capital
Territory.
Tasker, A. V. 2011. Toona sinensis. Email from Al Tasker to Tony Koop, PERAL,
dated 11/14/2011.
Vila, M., Y. Meggaro, and E. Weber. 1999. Preliminary analysis of the naturalized
flora of northern Africa. Orsis 14:9-20.
Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World: A Reference Guide to
Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK. 548 pp.
Yousheng, C., and O. Sziklai. 1985. Preliminary study on the germination of Toona
sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem. seed from eleven Chinese provenances. Forest
Ecology and Management 10:269-281.
Zhou, G., B. Zhang, L. Lin, Q. Zhu, L. Guo, Y. Pu, and X. Cao. 2010. Study on the
relationship between Toona sinensis Roem stand productivity and site
conditions in Sichuan Basin. Ecological Economy 6:387-394.

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Appendix A. Weed risk assessment for Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) M. Roem. (Meliaceae). The following
information was obtained from the species’ risk assessment, which was conducted on a Microsoft Excel
platform. The information shown below was modified to fit on the page. The original Excel file, the full
questions, and the guidance to answer the questions are available upon request.

Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
Establishment/Spread Potential
ES-1 (Invasiveness elsewhere) f - mod 5 Introduced into Australia (Randall, 2007). Introduced into
Europe in 1862, planted in England and Paris - it remains
an uncommon tree in the British Isles, restricted to
botanical collections and private estates (Edmonds and
Staniforth, 1998). Available in multiple nurseries in
England (backyardgardener.com, 2011). Available
commercially in Santa Barbara, CA (smgrowers.com,
2011) and for sale in Oregon (greergardens.com, 2011).
Has been cultivated in California for at least 100 years
and is not considered invasive (Grotkopp and Rejmanek,
2007). Recognized to be established or found in the wild
in Japan (Mito and Uesugi, 2004). This species is said to
be "spreading at an alarming rate" in Morris Park (a 147-
acre woodland in Philadelphia, PA) (Soloman and Dijois,
2011). Alternate choices for the uncertainty simulation are
both "e".
ES-2 (Domesticated to reduce weed n - low 0 Toona sinensis is a popular culinary and medicinal plant
potential) in its native range - it is gaining popularity as an edible
plant (Kennedy, 2011) and a search of PubMed nets over
25 research publications, mainly focused on the cancer-
fighting properties of leaf extracts (HSA, 2011). This
species is used extensively as an ornamental and for
timber production in agroforestry operations
(Aumeeruddy and Sansonnens, 1994). 'Flamingo' is a
popular cultivar for its flaming red leaves in the spring -
garden sites recommend only using clones for 'Flamingo'
which hints that seeds may revert to the original (green)
foliage.
ES-3 (Weedy congeners) y - negl 1 There are four species within this genus (Hua et al.,
2009). Toona ciliata (syn. Cedrela toona), Australian
redcedar, is widespread globally and generally accepted
as invasive - it is said to invade forests, forest gaps, and
riparian areas (Weber, 2003) and is listed as a potential
transformer and a Category 3 (controlled) invader in
South Africa (Henderson, 2001). It is also listed as
invasive in four counties in the United States
(Swearingen, 2010).
ES-4 (Shade Tolerance) n - mod 0 It cannot grow in the shade (PFAF, 2011); however, a
comment from the same online database states, "I have a
Toon that is 15 years old and has been growing in almost
complete summer shade, maybe 5% dappled sunlight, for
5 years with no sign of dying" (West Coast outside
Vancouver, B.C.) (PFAF, 2011).
ES-5 (Climbing or smothering growth n - negl 0 Deciduous tree to 40 m (Edmonds and Staniforth, 1998).
form)

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Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
ES-6 (Dense Thickets) ? - max 0 It may become a large, single-trunked tree, but is also
seen as a clump of stems to about 30 ft (9 m) high; it
spreads widely by root suckers sending up slender stems
to no more than 20 ft (6 m) high (Mills-Hicks, 2001).
"Suckers profusely" (TAMS-ACT, n.d.). Although this
species does appear to send up profuse root suckers and
spread in that manner, no one has described "dense
thickets." The Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council offers
the following information: "Five large trees were cut
down within the past year (in Philadelphia), but vigorous
root sprouts (and, I believe, seedlings) continue to present
a challenge within 50 feet of each stump, and would
quickly create a forest of young Toona trees if not
routinely cut or mowed down. They are proving difficult
to defeat" (Brennan, 2011). Because dense regeneration
does appear to be taking place at a distance of 50 feet
from the original stump and because it is unclear whether
this potential "forest of young Toona trees" could be
considered a dense thicket, answering "unknown" with
maximum uncertainty.
ES-7 (Aquatic) n - negl 0 Terrestrial tree--grows in light, medium or heavy soils and
requires well-drained soils (PFAF, 2011).
ES-8 (Grass) n - negl 0 Tree species within the family Meliaceae.
ES-9 (N2-fixer) n - low 0 Toona sinensis is a woody plant, but species within the
family Meliaceae are not known to fix nitrogen (Martin
and Dowd, 1990).
ES-10 (Viable seeds) y - low 1 Propagation is best achieved by seed (Edmonds and
Staniforth, 1998).
ES-11 (Self-compatible) ? - max 0 Monoecious, with male and female flowers usually
occurring in close proximity on the same inflorescence;
the monoecious floral condition is now known to be
complicated by a labile sexual system which results in
dichogamy, polygamy, and anomalous floral
development...the powerful odor which is usually
associaed with Toona flowers is suggestive of insect-
pollination...in the wild, Toona trees are usually found in
small stands which presumably increases the opportunity
for insect (and cross-) pollination (Edmonds and
Staniforth, 1998).
ES-12 (Special Pollinators) n - high 0 The powerful odor associated with Toona flowers is
suggestive of insect-pollination (Edmonds and Staniforth,
1998).
ES-13 (Min generation time) d - mod -1 There is very little information on the biology of this
species. Garden forums and blogs (e.g., Gardenweb.com,
2005) mention 4-year old trees that haven't begun to
flower. Given these comments and that this species is a
large tree, it is likely that it takes some time to reach
sexual maturity. Alternate answers for the uncertainty
simulation are "c" and "c".
ES-14 (Prolific reproduction) ? - max 0 Not clear. "They often set copious capsules, each
containing innumerable seeds" (Edmonds and Staniforth,
1998). Although this would imply prolific seed

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Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
production, what the author means by "copious" and
"innumerable" is not known.
ES-15 (Unintentional dispersal) n - mod -1 No evidence.
ES-16 (Trade contaminant) n - mod -1 No evidence.
ES-17 (#Natural dispersal vectors) 1- -2 0
ES-17a (Wind dispersal) y - negl Seeds are winged at one end and measure 8-16mm long,
3.5-6.2 mm broad (Edmonds and Staniforth, 1998). Wind
dispersed (Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007).
ES-17b (Water dispersal) n - mod No evidence.
ES-17c (Bird dispersal) n - mod No evidence.
ES-17d (Animal external dispersal) n - low No evidence.
ES-17e (Animal internal dispersal) n - mod No evidence.
ES-18 (Seed bank) n - mod -1 There is no evidence that seeds persist for long periods; in
fact, seed supply sites warn of low viability of seeds and
recommend planting the seeds quickly to ensure adequate
germination (agrohaitai.com, n.d.).
ES-19 (Tolerance to loss of biomass) y - negl 1 After root injury or harvest, many "root tillering
seedlings" (root suckers) are produced (Zhou et al., 2010).
The species may be increased (propagated) from root
cuttings (Edmonds and Staniforth, 1998). A nursery
selling this species recommends digging runners or using
a root barrier to prevent spread (smgrowers.com, 2011).
After the removal (cutting) of mature trees, vigorous root
sprouts "present a challenge within 50 feet of each stump"
(Brennan, 2011).
ES-20 (Herbicide resistance) n - low 0 No evidence - also, not listed in the database of herbicide-
resistant weeds (Heap, 2011).
ES-21 (# Cold hardiness zones) 9 0
ES-22 (# Climate types) 6 2
ES-23 (# Precipitation bands) 10 1
Impact Potential
General Impacts
Imp-G1 (Allelopathic) n - mod 0 No evidence.
Imp-G2 (Parasitic) n - low 0 Toona sinensis is a tree capable of producing timber
(Aumeeruddy and Sansonnens, 1994). No species within
the family Meliaceae is known to be parasitic (Nickrent,
2011).
Impacts to Natural Systems
Imp-N1 (Ecosystem processes) n - mod 0 No evidence.
Imp-N2 (Community structure) ? - max Unknown, as this is not addressed in the literature specific
to T. sinensis. However, because T. sinensis is a tree that
appears to be able to establish in a variety of soils (PFAF,
2011), and because it is currently being eradicated from a
natural area in Philadelphia, PA (see question Imp-N6),
there is the possibility that, given the right environment
and enough time, it could alter community structure.
Trees with the ability to establish populations in habitats
with different soil nutrient status may alter vegetation
composition, diversity patterns, and community structure
(Brown et al., 2006). Invader species frequently recruit

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Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
seedlings in natural or seminatural vegetation at distances
far from parent plants and most times have an effect on
the community structure they establish (Vila et al., 1999).
Imp-N3 (Community composition) ? - max Unknown, as this is not addressed in the literature specific
to T. sinensis. However, because T. sinensis is a tree that
spreads both vegetatively and by seed, and because this
species is currently being eradicated from a natural area in
Philadelphia, PA (see question Imp-N6), it would seem
reasonable to conclude that it could at some point
outcompete other plant species for resources. Clonal trees
(including vegetative reproduction via root suckering) are
among those plants with the highest risk of becoming
natural area invaders (Daehler, 1998). In its native range,
where it is grown for timber production, young
plantations of T. sinensis require herbicide treatments to
control weeds that may compete with T. sinensis (Huang
and Li, 2003). Whether this is done because it is a poor
competitor or whether the growers are simply trying to
maximize growth potential is not known.
Imp-N4 (T&E species) ? - max Answering unknown because the literature does not
specifically address community structure and
composition. However, it is certainly likely that T&E
plants could be affected, given that a rapidly growing,
seed bearing and vegatatively propagative tree species
could be expected to outcompete other species, given the
right environment and enough time.
Imp-N5 (Globally outstanding ? - max Because this species may find suitable habitat through
ecoregions) most of the United States (see analysis of geographic
potential), if it becomes widely distributed in natural
areas, it may affect GOE. However, because at the present
time there is no evidence supporting this possibility,
answering unknown with maximum uncertainty.
Imp-N6 (Natural systems weed) c - low 0.6 This species, cited as Cedrela sinensis, has recently been
targeted for eradication in Morris Park, a large natural
area in Philadelphia, by the Parks and Recreation
Department of the City of Philadelphia; the authors state
that "this tree was beginning to spread at an alarming rate"
(Soloman and Dijois, 2011). It is recommended as being
"not suitable" for natural areas in urban planning
(Australia) because of "profuse suckering" (TAMS-ACT,
n.d.). Alternate answers for the uncertainty simulation are
both “b”.
Impact to Anthropogenic areas (cities,
suburbs, roadways)
Imp-A1 (Affects property, civilization, ...) n - low 0 No evidence. Answering no with low uncertainty because
there is no indication that this tree possesses traits that
would negatively impact these parameters.
Imp-A2 (Recreational use) n - low 0 No evidence for any real limitations in recreation;
however, the odor associated with T. sinensis can be
extremely pungent and unpleasant, reminiscent of garlic,
pepper or decomposing onions; it is characteristic of both
the vegetative and floral parts of the trees and particularly

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Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
strong when the bark is slashed (Edmonds and Staniforth,
1998).
Imp-A3 (Affects ornamental plants) ? - max No firm evidence that it outcompetes other plants. The
main problem with Toona sinensis in garden design
appears to be its propensity for suckering, which requires
routine maintenance to remove the suckers
(cloudforest.com, 2011). The general sense appears to be
that in urban and suburban environments it's more of a
nuisance plant than a truly high-impact invader.
Imp-A4 (Anthropogenic weed) c - low 0.4 A landscaping contractor describes a project in Auckland,
New Zealand in which a "very invasive" Chinese toon
(Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo') had taken over a residental
yard and had to be entirely eradicated (HomeScape, n.d.).
Multiple online garden sites describe it as needing routine
maintenance to control the suckers and it is described as
"an easy, potentially invasive, suckering plant" by a well-
known garden author (Druse, 2011). Design standards and
guidelines for the Government of South Australia state
that Cedrela sinensis is not recommended for landscape
plantings because this species "suckers too freely"
(DECD, 1999). However, this species has been
recommended as a viable alternative to Ailanthus
altissima for landscape plantings in Kansas (Branhagan,
n.d.).
Impact to Production systems
(agriculture, nurseries, forest
plantations, orchards, etc.)
Imp-P1 (Crop yield) n - low 0 Fairly well-known species - no evidence that this is an
agricultural weed.
Imp-P2 (Commodity Value) n - low 0 Fairly well-known species - no evidence that this is an
agricultural weed.
Imp-P3 (Affects trade) n - low 0 Fairly well-known species - no evidence that this is an
agricultural weed.
Imp-P4 (Irrigation) n - low 0 Fairly well-known species - no evidence that this is an
agricultural weed.
Imp-P5 (Animal toxicity) n - negl 0 Young shoots and leaves cooked - a highly esteemed food
in China (PFAF, 2011). Leaves and young shoots used as
animal fodder in India (Edmonds and Staniforth, 1998).
Imp-P6 (Production system weed) a - low 0 Fairly well-known species - no evidence that this is an
agricultural weed. Alternate answers for the uncertainty
simulation are both “b”.
Geographic Potential
Plant cold hardiness zones
Geo-Z1 (Zone 1) n - low N/A This zone is within a Chinese province in which it is said
to grow naturally (ARS-GRIN, 2011), but otherwise no
evidence.
Geo-Z2 (Zone 2) n - low N/A Occurrence data suggests that it can grow in this zone
(China (ARS-GRIN, 2011 occ.)), however, research from
its native range states that the absolute minimum
temperature is -20C (Zhou et al., 2010).
Geo-Z3 (Zone 3) n - low N/A Occurrence data suggests that it can grow in this zone

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Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
(China (ARS-GRIN, 2011 occ.)), however, research from
its native range states that the absolute minimum
temperature is -20C (Zhou et al., 2010).
Geo-Z4 (Zone 4) n - mod N/A Occurrence data suggests that it can grow in this zone
(China (ARS-GRIN, 2011 occ.)), however, research from
its native range states that the absolute minimum
temperature is -20C (Zhou et al., 2010).
Geo-Z5 (Zone 5) y - low N/A South Korea (GBIF, 2011 occ.). Hardy to Zone 5 and is
not frost tender (DavesGarden, 2011; Evans, n.d.; PFAF,
2011).
Geo-Z6 (Zone 6) y - negl N/A South Korea (GBIF, 2011 p.s. and occ.); Japan (GBIF,
2011 occ.); USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9
(backyardgardener.com, 2011; DavesGarden, 2011;
Evans, n.d.).
Geo-Z7 (Zone 7) y - negl N/A Japan (GBIF, 2011 p.s.); South Korea (GBIF, 2011 occ.);
USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9 (backyardgardener.com,
2011; DavesGarden, 2011; Evans, n.d.); USA -
Philadelphia County, PA (Soloman and Dijois, 2011
occ.).
Geo-Z8 (Zone 8) y - negl N/A France, China (Hubei, Yunnan) (GBIF, 2011 p.s.); Japan
(GBIF, 2011 occ.); USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9
(backyardgardner.com 2011; Davesgarden.com 2011)
Geo-Z9 (Zone 9) y - negl N/A China (Yunnan) (GBIF, 2011 p.s.); USDA hardiness
zones 6 to 9 (backyardgardener.com, 2011; DavesGarden,
2011).
Geo-Z10 (Zone 10) y - negl N/A Taiwan (GBIF, 2011 p.s.); Nepal (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-Z11 (Zone 11) y - low N/A Thailand (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-Z12 (Zone 12) y - low N/A Indonesia (Sumatera Utara), Thailand (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-Z13 (Zone 13) y - low N/A Indonesia (Sumatera Utara) (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Koppen-Geiger climate classes
Geo-C1 (Tropical rainforest) y - low N/A Indonesia (Sumatera Utara), Malaysia (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-C2 (Tropical savanna) y - low N/A Thailand (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-C3 (Steppe) n - mod N/A No evidence.
Geo-C4 (Desert) n - mod N/A No evidence.
Geo-C5 (Mediterranean) n - high N/A No evidence that it is naturalized in a mediterranean
climate.
Geo-C6 (Humid subtropical) y - negl N/A China (Yunnan, Hubei), Taiwan, Japan (GBIF, 2011 p.s.);
Japan, South Korea (GBIF, 2011 occ.); USA -
Philadelphia County, PA (Soloman and Dijois, 2011
occ.).
Geo-C7 (Marine west coast) y - negl N/A France, China (Yunnan) (GBIF, 2011 p.s.).
Geo-C8 (Humid cont. warm sum.) y - negl N/A South Korea (GBIF, 2011 p.s.); Japan (GBIF, 2011 occ.);
USA - Philadelphia County, PA (Soloman and Dijois,
2011 occ.).
Geo-C9 (Humid cont. cool sum.) y - negl N/A India (Himachal Pradesh), Japan (GBIF, 2011 occ.)
Geo-C10 (Subarctic) n - low N/A Occurrence data suggests that it can grow in this climate
class (China, Bhutan (ARS-GRIN, 2011 occ.)), however,
research from its native range states that the absolute
minimum temperature is -20C (Zhou et al., 2010).
Geo-C11 (Tundra) n - negl N/A Absolute minimum temperature is -20C Zhou et al.,

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
2010).
Geo-C12 (Icecap) n - negl N/A Absolute minimum temperature is -20C (Zhou et al.,
2010).
10-inch precipitation bands
Geo-R1 (0-10") n - mod N/A No evidence
Geo-R2 (10-20") y - low N/A China (ARS-GRIN, 2011 occ.); Chengde, Hebei (China)
(Yousheng and Sziklai, 1985).
Geo-R3 (20-30") y - low N/A India (Himachal Pradesh) (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-R4 (30-40") y - negl N/A France (GBIF, 2011 p.s.).
Geo-R5 (40-50") y - negl N/A China (Yunnan, Hubei), South Korea (GBIF, 2011 p.s. &
occ.), Japan (GBIF, 2011 occ.); USA - Philadelphia
County, PA (Soloman and Dijois, 2011 occ.).
Geo-R6 (50-60") y - negl N/A Japan (GBIF, 2011 p.s. & occ.).
Geo-R7 (60-70") y - negl N/A Japan (GBIF, 2011 p.s. & occ.).
Geo-R8 (70-80") y - negl N/A Taiwan (GBIF, 2011 p.s.); Japan (GBIF, 2011 occ.).
Geo-R9 (80-90") y - high N/A Japan (GBIF, 2011 occ.); said to be 'intolerant of wet'
(Zhou et al., 2010).
Geo-R10 (90-100") y - high N/A Indonesia (Sumatera Utara) (GBIF, 2011 occ.); said to be
'intolerant to wet ' (Zhou et al., 2010).
Geo-R11 (100"+) y - high N/A Indonesia (Sumatera Utara) (GBIF, 2011 occ.); said to be
'intolerant to wet ' (Zhou et al., 2010).
Entry Potential
Ent-1 (Already here) y - negl 1 This species has been cultivated and traded in the United
States for a long time, e.g.,100 years in California
(Grotkopp and Rejmanek, 2007) and only recently has
begun to receive negative press (e.g., Philadelphia
[Soloman and Dijois, 2011]). It is for sale in California
(smgrowers.com, 2011), Oregon (greergardens.com,
2011), and growing in Maryland (Tasker, 2011). Escaped
in Pennsylvania (Soloman and Dijois, 2011). Said to be
growing in arboretums in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Illinois, Washington DC, New York, and
Ohio (Koller, 1978). Said to be growing (in gardens) in
Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania,
and Texas (DavesGarden, 2011). Was acquired by the JC
Ralston Arboretum in North Carolina (JCRA, 1992).
Recommended as a "low maintenance" landscape plant in
Georgia (Corley et al., 2007).
Ent-2 (Proposed for entry) - N/A
Ent-3 (Human value & cultivation/trade - N/A
status)
Ent-4 (Entry as a Contaminant)
Ent-4a (In MX, CA, Central Amer., - N/A
Carib., or China)
Ent-4b (Propagative material) - N/A
Ent-4c (Seeds) - N/A
Ent-4d (Ballast water) - N/A
Ent-4e (Aquaria) - N/A
Ent-4f (Landscape products) - N/A

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Weed Risk Assessment for Toona sinensis

Question ID Answer - Score Notes (and references)

Uncertainty
Ent-4g (Container, packing, trade goods) - N/A
Ent-4h (Commodities for consumption) - N/A
Ent-4i (Other pathway) - N/A
Ent-5 (Natural dispersal) - N/A

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